Columbia Plumbing Services Companies Support SCDES Backflow Prevention Efforts

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services’ Cross Connection Control/Backflow Prevention program was designed as a state-mandated initiative to protect the public’s drinking water contamination by identifying and eliminating cross connections. A number of local Columbia plumber businesses, including Plumb Time Plumbing and Drain Services – boasting more than 20 years of experience in the industry – have shown support for the program, citing the fact that every public water system must initiate and maintain a viable cross connection control strategy.

“Because we’re experts in backflow prevention methods, in addition to a host of other plumbing repair tactics, the Plumb Time staff understands the importance of South Carolina’s Cross Connection Control/Backflow Prevention Program,” explains Manny Alexander of Columbia’s Plumb Time Plumbing and Drain Services. “Accomplished by surveying the distribution system for unprotected cross connections, this program ensures these connections can be controlled through the proper use of backflow prevention assemblies.

For more information visit https://www.plumbtimesc.com/contact-us/

“Most importantly, the public water system must maintain accurate records pertaining to the location of existing backflow prevention assemblies, type and size of each assembly and annual testing results. It is our understanding that all testing must be completed by a state-certified backflow prevention tester, and that backflow prevention assemblies used in South Carolina must be on SC DHEC’s List of Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies for South Carolina.”

According to South Carolina state representatives, the Backflow Assembly Tester Certification course is a rigorous four-day program that meets SCDES standards for certification in backflow assembly prevention testing, with time spent in the classroom and “wet lab” environments with experienced instructors. The course is designed to educate students on how backflow may occur and how cross connections should be protected or eliminated using approved assemblies, devices or methods.

“In general, the consequences of a backflow incident are far-reaching and potentially hazardous – we often ask our customers to imagine sipping water from their faucet, only to later discover it’s been contaminated with chemicals, bacteria or other waste materials from a recent backflow,” adds Alexander. “Beyond the immediate health risks posed by such contamination, backflow can also cause significant property damage, depending on the nature and volume of the reversed flow; additionally, remedying the aftermath of a backflow incident can be a costly endeavor, both in terms of repairs and potential medical bills.”

Based on data collected by Plumb Time staff and other South Carolina plumbing repair entities, the root causes of backflow run from cross connections and pressure fluctuations to faulty installations by a plumbing company and outdated equipment.

Plumb Time Plumbing and Drain Services offers a myriad of plumbing solutions beyond backflow prevention services including water heater repair, sewer line repair, drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections and general plumbing repair.

The company serves the West Columbia area of South Carolina. Their plumbers can be reached by calling (803) 988-9202 or by visiting their above cited website. Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, with emergency plumber services available to existing customers.

Plumb Time Plumbing & Drain Services

+18039889202
3513 Delree St
Columbia
SC
29170
United States